RUGBY DECLINE

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume LXV, Issue 19622, 4 May 1938, Page 6

RUGBY DECLINE

I DEPARTURE FROM RULES SPRINGBOK LESSONS HONEST FORWARD PLAY PRESIDENT'S REVIEW (Per Press Association.) WELLINGTON, this day. In the coure of his presidential address to the annual meeting .-of the New Zealand Rugby Union, Mr. T. Meredith reviews the condition of the game in New Zealand, as revealed in the light of the Springboks' tour. "The wonderful success of our visitors last year has, at last, made us realise that all is not well with our football, and for this reason, if no other, we are indebted to them. If we are again to take our place in the iootball world, then it behoves every player and administrator of the game to take to heart the lessons learned [rom the tour, and to work for unanimity throughout New Zealand," he said.

Perhaps the main reason for the decline could be traced to departing from the rules, as laid down by the International Board. It apparently was thought the game could be made more attractive, but the public were not attracted. He stressed the fact that the attendances at the Springbok tour matches showed the public appreciated Rugby under the International rules. Coaching «" Right Lines

To get back to standard, he said, it was necessary to start with the boys in the primary schools and with coaching on right lines. If this were followed in the secondary schools the boys, when they came to play grade football, should have a good knowledge of the game. The main weakness appeared to be with the forwards. "We have developed a non-pushing type—those who want Lo get out in the open so as to catch the eye of the selectors. Until we get back to honest packing on a scientific system, we cannot expect our game to improve," he said. The forwards must learn to dribble so as not to lose control, the line-out work must be developed and the necessity for solidity stressed alike in the set scrums, lineouts and rucks. The forwards, like Ihe backs, must be chosen to (ill places. The whole eight must not be called udoii to be fly-aways. To assist in getting the game back to the proper standard, the referees must help. Mr. Meredith strongly criticised the refereeing at some matches last year, particularly regarding the way in which the ball was allowed to be put into the scrum.